Ulu Gombak field study centre: its contribution and successes in biodiversity management

Rosli Hashim and Daicus M. Belabut and Mohd. Sofian Azirun and Rosli Ramli (2001) Ulu Gombak field study centre: its contribution and successes in biodiversity management. [Proceedings Paper]

The University of Malaya Field Study Centre (FSC) at Ulu Gombak, Selangor was founded in 1965. It is probably the first university-based FSC in Southeast Asia. It was established by Lord Medway and located in the pristine Ulu Gombak Hill Dipterocarp-Rainforest, sandwiched by euer growing human-built environment, the capital city of Malaysia in the south and pristine highland forest in the north. Its unique position posts a challenging management effort in maintaining the natural environment that holds together its biodiversity. Its contribution toward Nature and Environmental Education, Research, Human Resources Development and Conservation has enhanced basic understanding in managing and conserving biodiversity. In Malaysia, a systematic approach on nature and environmental education was probably pioneered at the FSC. Its first local students were those doing biology courses at the University of Malaya in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Many of the ‘students' are now leading many Biodiversity and Conservation programs in Malaysia. With increasing awareness of the presence of the FSC, research activities have been enhanced but are still dominated by foreign scientists who are keen and have much interest in the study of Tropical Rainforest. Local representatives at I he early stage of development were poor. Even recent(y, statistics show little local participation. The training of nature conservation related professionals have come automatically with the enhancement of research activities. Many post-graduate researchers from various universities and research institutions worldwide were trained at the FSC. Again, local participation in this particular activity was small. The Ulu Gombak River Basin has been a site of much scientific interest. Due to this, it has become an important bird watching site, training plot for forestry commission, and also jungle trekking for the public during the weekends. Such recreational activities have led to a sustainable use of the reserved forest. The site is not without its problems. Many were solved but there are still some major issues that need to be addressed.

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Abstract

The University of Malaya Field Study Centre (FSC) at Ulu Gombak, Selangor was founded in 1965. It is probably the first university-based FSC in Southeast Asia. It was established by Lord Medway and located in the pristine Ulu Gombak Hill Dipterocarp-Rainforest, sandwiched by euer growing human-built environment, the capital city of Malaysia in the south and pristine highland forest in the north. Its unique position posts a challenging management effort in maintaining the natural environment that holds together its biodiversity. Its contribution toward Nature and Environmental Education, Research, Human Resources Development and Conservation has enhanced basic understanding in managing and conserving biodiversity. In Malaysia, a systematic approach on nature and environmental education was probably pioneered at the FSC. Its first local students were those doing biology courses at the University of Malaya in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Many of the ‘students' are now leading many Biodiversity and Conservation programs in Malaysia. With increasing awareness of the presence of the FSC, research activities have been enhanced but are still dominated by foreign scientists who are keen and have much interest in the study of Tropical Rainforest. Local representatives at I he early stage of development were poor. Even recent(y, statistics show little local participation. The training of nature conservation related professionals have come automatically with the enhancement of research activities. Many post-graduate researchers from various universities and research institutions worldwide were trained at the FSC. Again, local participation in this particular activity was small. The Ulu Gombak River Basin has been a site of much scientific interest. Due to this, it has become an important bird watching site, training plot for forestry commission, and also jungle trekking for the public during the weekends. Such recreational activities have led to a sustainable use of the reserved forest. The site is not without its problems. Many were solved but there are still some major issues that need to be addressed.

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Item Type:	Proceedings Paper
Additional Information:	Available at Perpustakaan Sultan Abdul Samad, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. QH75 A1I61 2000 Call Number
AGROVOC Term:	biodiversity
AGROVOC Term:	ecosystems
AGROVOC Term:	tropical forests
AGROVOC Term:	wildlife
AGROVOC Term:	natural resources
AGROVOC Term:	environmental management
AGROVOC Term:	environmental monitoring
AGROVOC Term:	scientists
AGROVOC Term:	environmental protection
AGROVOC Term:	sustainable development
Geographical Term:	Malaysia
Depositing User:	Nor Hasnita Abdul Samat
Date Deposited:	28 Jul 2025 02:58
Last Modified:	28 Jul 2025 02:58
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/701

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